Lincoln Agencies Awarded more than $1.5 Million
in Grants for Homeless Assistance

Mayor Don Wesely today announced that local agencies serving the homeless have been
awarded more than $1.5 million in federal grants.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)awards "Continuum of Care"
grants through a competitive process. The grants provide permanent and transitional
housing as well as job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance
abuse treatment and child care. Lincoln agencies receiving these grants are:

CenterPointe, Inc. - $443,273 and $187,612 (two grants)

Lincoln Action Program - $449,539

Saint Monica's - $140, 456

CEDARS Youth Services - $130,707

Catholic Social Services - $93,683

Lincoln will also receive $76,000 in emergency shelter grants, awarded to local
governments to support shelters and other services. The grant is administered by
the City's Urban Development Department.

"Despite our rebounding local economy, the 'Point in Time' survey conducted last
month confirmed that the number of homeless individuals and families is increasing
in our community," said Mayor Wesely. "Our local agencies are doing an excellent job
of providing services, and these federal grants will allow them to help more people
find housing to eventually become self-sufficient."

The "Point in Time Count" was conducted November 7 by those who provide services to
the homeless in cooperation with the Lincoln Police Department. The total number of
homeless counted was 1,812, including 600 children. Officials say the actual number
is probably higher than that identified in the survey because those not receiving
services at the time the survey was conducted were not counted.

The local agencies which provide services to those in need are members of the Lincoln
Lancaster Homeless Coalition, which works to raise awareness of issues surrounding the
homeless. The Coalition's Continuum of Care Planning and Evaluation Committee identifies
service gaps, coordinates the "Point in Time Count" and conducts peer review of service
providers.

The total in grants awarded to Nebraska agencies is more than $4.3 million. HUD officials
say the grants will support more than 3,000 programs nationwide, and about 740,000
Americans will receive services. More details on the HUD grants can be found on the
Internet at http://www.hud.gov/news/index.cfm.